When you think of work environment, nurturing is probably not the first word that springs to mind. It’s not for me anyway. Due to my past experience, “work environment” conjures up grim rows of computers, dreary break rooms with unwashed coffee mugs in the sink, and cluttered desktops overflowing with paperwork and the sad little knick-knacks of fellow coworkers trying to individualize their space.
Corporations are slowly moving towards a more welcoming workplace, but as solopreneurs, you and I don’t have to wait for bosses to catch up. We’re in a unique position to create a nurturing work environment that fosters creativity and keeps us in love with our jobs.
Here are 5 ways I’ve found to create a nurturing work environment as a solopreneur.
1. Foster Open and Honest Communication
Open and honest communication is a fundamental need in a traditional workplace…but I think it’s equally important as a solopreneur. You need to be a good communicator:
With yourself. If you work alone, then you are your boss and only coworker. Be honest with yourself about ways in which you need to improve, but be gentle and encouraging in the same way you would with someone who came to you for advice.
With your clients. Good communication is a huge part of the client experience. Be honest and positive in your interactions with the people who use your services or buy your products. Your business wouldn’t exist without them!
With your audience. Social media is a primary way that most small business owners engage with their audience. Unfortunately, social media also encourages a lot of fakery. Instead of falling into that trap, be genuine with how and what you’re communicating on your website or social media platforms.
2. Remember, You’re a Human, Not a Robot
As solopreneurs we have so much to do that sometimes we refuse to acknowledge that we are human and need to take a break sometimes. As a living, breathing person you need things like down time, connection with people, and space to pursue what interests you in order to give life color and meaning. So give yourself breathing room, take a day off when you need it, nurture your relationships, and get lost occasionally in the things you’re passionate about.
3. Diversify Your Work Experience
Some solopreneurs get to see new people and places with each new gig. But if you’re like me, you just walk down the hall to your home office every day, and it can start to feel like you never get a change of scenery.
When you start to feel stuck in a rut, you can create a more nurturing work environment by being in tune to your need for variety and changing things up. This can be as simple as taking your laptop outside or working at a café that day. Or you can experiment with the work itself and try something completely new, just for the heck of it.
4. Beautify Your Workspace
For me, the environment can do wonders for my ability to focus and work productively. I like natural light, some plants, and maybe a candle when it’s gray outside. And I can’t handle visual clutter, so I have to be extra conscious about staying organized and not having too many items out. Your style may be completely different, but putting a little effort into making your workspace reflect your personality can turn it into a much more pleasant and welcoming place.
5. Let Your Nurturing Environment Spill Over
Your work environment doesn’t stop at the edges of your desk. It can spill over into your home, your personal life, and your interactions with clients. If your work environment is a nurturing one, this is a wonderful thing, and one you’ll want to encourage.
There are so many ways this can manifest, but basically, when you feel nurtured, you end up wanting to extend that same care to others. This doesn’t usually happen without effort though, so think about how your nurturing work environment can reach others too.
For example, I’ve learned that honest and encouraging words help me feel nurtured. So I make a point to express gratitude to clients, congratulate them on an interesting idea or a step forward in their business, and be supportive of their decisions…even if those decisions aren’t what I would choose.
I’ve had a couple of clients take a step back from my blogging services, and even though I truly believe they would see better results if they continued blogging, I realize that I don’t know the whole story and that it’s their business and their decision. When this happens, I express understanding, sincerely wish them the very best, and make sure they know they’re welcome back anytime—and that I’m here in the meantime if they need anything.
Letting my nurturing work environment spill over in this way has helped my clients feel supported in their decisions. And more often than not, they eventually get back in touch with me when things change or normalize in their lives. Which makes me feel incredibly nurtured in turn! It’s a great feeling to know that they remember me, loved my services, and feel comfortable enough to reach out and reconnect.
Creating a Nurturing Work Environment
Creating a nurturing work environment as a solopreneur is part of the adventure of small business ownership. And it has so many rewards! I hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for ways in which you can create an environment for yourself and your clients that feels safe and welcoming. If you have any other ideas for creating an uplifting work environment, I would love to hear them! Please share in the comments!
